Handprint assessment: measurement of the positive impact on sustainability. The case for cotton and cottonseed oil.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Sustainability Return of Investment (S-ROI) are effective tools aiding decision making for sustainability in the food cycle. Examples of application of such methodologies are provided for the cotton case.The multifunctionality of crops implies environmental impacts must be allocated between different potential products. As such, it is advisable that food sectors seeking to raise their environmental performance analyze their available options through lifecycle analysis. Consider deep frying oils. The cultivation phase of the oil crops is the largest impact contributor. This represents an advantage for cotton seed oil because it is multifunctional. Cotton is commonly produced for fiber but can also render oil, energy and even construction materials. This means the impact from cultivation must be allocated between the different products being obtained. Cotton seed oil, being a byproduct poses an advantage. We found that refined cotton seed oil can reduce climate change impacts by up to 83% in comparison to soybean oil. A switch in the French fries frying oil could lead to savings in greenhouse gas emissions, although tradeoffs must also be considered. The choice of vegetable oil can in fact support environmental targets. And it could also support other aspects if the cotton system is further analyzed to include social and economic impacts as well. Using a screening level Sustainability Return of Investment S-ROI approach, risks and opportunities of global cotton production were identified. 11 risks related to climate change, child labor and automation were quantified. 8 opportunities covering traceability, residues valorization and carbon commitments among others estimated. It was found that cotton market price can drive positive outcomes to the system. And that traceability can drive market price.